A ONE DAY PACKED LE CONFERENCE BREACHING THE BARRICADE

Tom is a retired Chicago Police Department (CPD) deputy chief and the founcferl pres1dent of Secure 1776 - Public Safety Professional Resource, LLC. He has extensive experience directing, managing and assessing law enforcement supervisors and executives. He holds B.A. and M.A. degrees in Criminal Justice, and has served as an adjunct facu lty member at Loyola University Chicago. A member of the IACP, IL Chief of Police and Sheriff's Associations, Police Executive Research Forum and ILEETA, he remains an active law enforcement and public safety consultant, analyst, writer, and instructor.

Session 1 : Gratitude Leading Leadership: Not a Thankless Profession

In all but a one-person department, police chiefs and sheriffs (and their agency's supervisors) must rely on the work of others to fully meet their agency's mission. This reality is inherently understood, which raises a key question. Are our law enforcement agencies ones that their members would describe as being places where gratitude is a priority? When members go "above and beyond" their assigned duties is some form of "thank you" appropriate? When leaders do not convey gratitude for extra and exceptional efforts, are there consequences? Does a lack of gratitude pose officer wellness issues? Do only those who directly receive a "thank you" receive some benefit in the expression of gratitude? Additionally,
when members merely do the work they are paid to do, are they also "owed" some expression of gratitude? Should gratitude be a guiding factor in how police leaders lead? How might core management activities be impacted by a "gratitude leading" leadership approach? This course will provide essential guidance in how the police profession and its leaders should answer these questions.

Session 2: Iron Strengthens Iron: Embrace Adversity

Policing is a challenging profession, in Chicago and everywhere else. After more than 34 years of active service in the Chicago Police Department adversity standouts as a point requiring far more instruction . As we have previouslr discussed at Breaching the Barricade, in this life there is suffering and evil is real. In every life there wil be trials and tribulations. Adversity tests our readiness and commitment, and reveals our character. Yes, we want our police officers to get through the trails that they will encounter. However, just getting through adversity should not be their goal or ours. Whenever adversity comes, we must remember and instruct that iron sharpens iron. Adversity provides the means from which endurance and strength can be built. Our communities are stronger and safer when our police officers endure adversity well and emerge stronger, with a renewed sense of faith and purpose.

Session 3: Does Your Badge Mean Anything?

Being Proactive is Essential. Fans of classic television will remember the character Deputy Barney Fife (Don Knotts) from the Andy Griffith Show. The situation in this 1960s sit -com was small town life in Mayberry, North ~arofina, as seen through the eyes of Sheriff Andy Taylor (Andy Griffith). The comedic portrayal of Deputy Fife, who usually has few crimes to solve, is often critical, as "Fearless Fife" does have fears. Deputy Fife also has a passion for his profession that offers an opportunity for clarity on what everyone who wears a badge must be prepared to do. Being responsible to enforce the law is not a joke. There are dangers. But, addressing lawlessness always falls squarely on the shoulders of someone wearing a badge. Being proactive is an essential mindset for the police officer on patrol. How officers see their role and how they carry themselves matters.